JFJ Press Release: JFJ Elated by Swift Action of the DPP in the Frederick Hill Case

Friday, February 25, 2011, Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and the family of Frederick “Mickey” Hill are elated by the swift action to charge Corporal Malica Reid with murder for the killing of “Mickey”.

Mr. Hill was slain on November 4, 2010 by a group of seven or eight policemen who came up in a police bus, some whom were said to be wearing masks or with ‘kerchiefs’ tied over their faces. They had demanded that he tell them what was in a ‘scandal’ bag that he had. In the process of showing them the contents of the bag (cornmeal and condensed milk) the police opened fire and Mr. Hill was shot at least three times at point blank range. He died on the spot and his body was removed by another load of policemen who placed his body in the back of a police jeep.

The killing which was being investigated by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) caused outrage in the Negril and Savanna La Mar communities and raised many questions in the minds of well thinking Jamaicans as to how an unarmed man could be killed in this way.

This case was one of the first investigated by INDECOM and JFJ is very much encouraged by the speed at which the charges were laid against the accused and applauds INDECOM’s efforts. This is a good beginning. We are also heartened that the RULE of LAW has been applied and that police officers who are accused of wrongdoing are remanded and treated like ordinary citizens.

The resolve of family members, friends and supporters to get justice for “Mickey” was outstanding and their determination to keep up the calls for action has paid early dividends.

While the charge of murder, is just the beginning in the journey to achieving justice, we look forward to a speedy process in the courts going forward.